Dr Jill Kowal

My research focuses on mycorrhizal early land plants and their fungal symbionts both in culture and nature. I aim to better understand the function of these mutualisms to contribute to the conservation of rare plant species and their vegetation communities. Using a multi-disciplinary approach (including field experiments, plant tissue and cytological fungal colonisation analytic techniques, molecular ID, soil chemistry and atmospheric pollution measures), we can begin to unravel the dynamic below ground and atmospheric influences contributing to fungal colonisation strategies and plant responses (and equally, a plant's interest in hosting and respective fungal responses).

My current study focuses on the rare heathland Marsh Clubmoss (Lycopodiella inundata) which is endangered in the UK and threatened to varying degrees across Europe. As far is we know, it is only colonised by Mucoromycotina fungi, providing a unique view to the ecological function of this fungal tribe. From an evolutionary perspective, this early-vascular plant bridges bryophytes with later-diverging vascular plants. The potential application gleaned from better understanding these nutritional exchanges for both restoration ecology and agricultural innovations are just beginning to unfold. Exciting questions lay before us to test and collaborate both in the laboratory and real world settings. 

• PhD, Biological Sciences, Imperial College, London, 2016
• MSc, University of Reading, 2011
• Diploma in Horticulture, Royal Horticulture Society, Capel Manor College, 2003
• MSc, New York University, 1992
• BSc/BBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1988